Stir-Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This recipe is adapted from Stir-Frying to the Sky’s Edge.

Ingredients

• 4 thick bacon slices, cut into ½-in. wide pieces (3 oz.)
• 2 tsp. finely chopped garlic
• 1 lb. green cabbage, cored and cut crosswise into ¼-in. wide shreds (about 8 cups)
• 1-2 Tbsp. canola oil (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup chicken stock
• 2 tsp. soy sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Step 1

• In a cold, flat-bottomed wok or 12-inch skillet, spread the bacon pieces in an even layer. Cook over medium heat, undisturbed, until the bacon begins to release its fat, about 1 minute, then, using a metal spatula, stir-fry on medium heat until the bacon begins to brown and more fat has been released, 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and continue stir-frying until the garlic is fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add the cabbage and continue stir-frying until the cabbage just begins to wilt, 1-2 minutes more. If the mixture seems dry, add 1-2 more tablespoons of canola oil, then swirl in the stock, cover the wok, and steam until the cabbage is just tender, about 30 seconds. Uncover, add the soy sauce, season to taste with salt and black pepper, and continue stir-frying until the cabbage is tender and the juices are mostly reduced, about 1 minute more, then transfer to a wide bowl and serve.